Jump to page content

AP®

Home > College Board Tests > AP: Subjects > Psychology > Topic Outline

Topic Outline

These are the major content areas covered by the AP Psychology Exam, as well as the approximate percentages of the multiple-choice section that are devoted to each area.

I. History and Approaches (2–4%)

  1. Logic, Philosophy, and History of Science
  2. Approaches:
    1. Biological
    2. Behavioral
    3. Cognitive
    4. Humanistic
    5. Psychodynamic
    6. Sociocultural
    7. Evolutionary/Sociobiological

II. Research Methods (6–8%)

  1. Experimental, Correlational, and Clinical Research:
    1. Correlational (e.g., observational, survey, clinical)
    2. Experimental
  2. Statistics:
    1. Descriptive
    2. Inferential
  3. Ethics in Research

III. Biological Bases of Behavior (8–10%)

  1. Physiological Techniques (e.g., imaging, surgical)
  2. Neuroanatomy
  3. Functional Organization of Nervous System
  4. Neural Transmission
  5. Endocrine System
  6. Genetics

IV. Sensation and Perception (7–9%)

  1. Thresholds
  2. Sensory Mechanisms
  3. Sensory Adaptation
  4. Attention
  5. Perceptual Processes

V. States of Consciousness (2–4%)

  1. Sleep and Dreaming
  2. Hypnosis
  3. Psychoactive Drug Effects

VI. Learning (7–9%)

  1. Classical Conditioning
  2. Operant Conditioning
  3. Cognitive Processes in Learning
  4. Biological Factors
  5. Social Learning

VII. Cognition (8–10%)

  1. Memory
  2. Language
  3. Thinking
  4. Problem Solving and Creativity

VIII. Motivation and Emotion (7–9%)

  1. Biological Bases
  2. Theories of Motivation
  3. Hunger, Thirst, Sex, and Pain
  4. Social Motives
  5. Theories of Emotion
  6. Stress

IX. Developmental Psychology (7–9%)

  1. Life-Span Approach
  2. Research Methods (e.g., longitudinal, cross-sectional)
  3. Heredity-Environment Issues
  4. Developmental Theories
  5. Dimensions of Development:
    1. Physical
    2. Cognitive
    3. Social
    4. Moral
  6. Sex Roles, Sex Differences

X. Personality (6–8%)

  1. Personality Theories and Approaches
  2. Assessment Techniques
  3. Self-concept, Self-esteem
  4. Growth and Adjustment

XI. Testing and Individual Differences (5–7%)

  1. Standardization and Norms
  2. Reliability and Validity
  3. Types of Tests
  4. Ethics and Standards in Testing
  5. Intelligence
  6. Heredity/Environment and Intelligence
  7. Human Diversity

XII. Abnormal Psychology (7–9%)

  1. Definitions of Abnormality
  2. Theories of Psychopathology
  3. Diagnosis of Psychopathology
  4. Anxiety Disorders
  5. Somatoform Disorders
  6. Mood Disorders
  7. Schizophrenic Disorders
  8. Organic Disorders
  9. Personality Disorders
  10. Dissociative Disorders

XIII. Treatment of Psychological Disorders (5–7%)

  1. Treatment Approaches:
    1. Insight Therapies: Psychodynamic/Humanistic Approaches
    2. Behavioral Approaches
    3. Cognitive Approaches
    4. Biological Approaches (psychopharmacology/psychosurgery)
  2. Modes of Therapy (e.g., individual, group)
  3. Community and Preventive Approaches

XIV. Social Psychology (7–9%)

  1. Group Dynamics
  2. Attribution Processes
  3. Interpersonal Perception
  4. Conformity, Compliance, Obedience
  5. Attitudes and Attitude Change
  6. Organizational Behavior
  7. Aggression/Antisocial Behavior